Algerian Radio
Algeria and Libya reaffirmed today, Tuesday, in Algiers their shared determination to strengthen cooperation in the irrigation and water resources sector through the drafting of a joint roadmap and a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) establishing a practical, sustainable partnership to address water security challenges.
This came during a working session bringing together the Minister of Hydraulics, Mr. Lounès Bouzegza, and the Libyan Minister of Water Resources, Hosni Mohamed Oweidan, in the presence of senior officials from both sides and members of the Libyan delegation currently on a working visit to Algeria.
Both parties reviewed prospects for cooperation in sea water desalination, drinking water production, wastewater treatment, and flood protection, alongside training and the exchange of expertise.
Mr. Bouzegza highlighted that the fraternal relations and the human and technical potential possessed by both countries qualify them to build a successful model for cooperation in irrigation, thereby supporting sustainable development and boosting joint efforts to tackle water security challenges in the region.
He added that Algeria is keen to consolidate cooperation with Libya through exchanging expertise and experiences, noting that the visit provides an opportunity to lay down a joint roadmap, draft an MoU, and establish a joint committee tasked with executing mutually beneficial projects.
Regarding the consultation mechanism for the shared Northwestern Sahara Aquifer System—comprising Algeria, Libya, and Tunisia—the Minister expressed confidence that the upcoming meeting of its high committee will support scientific and technical cooperation, as well as enhance hydrogeological study programs, scientific research, and capacity building.
The Minister reviewed Algeria's key achievements in the water resources sector, pointing to the increase in drinking water supply coverage to 98%, a 93% connection rate to sanitation networks, and the construction of 31 sea water desalination plants with a total production capacity of 3.68 million cubic meters per day.
He also noted the completion of 37 demineralization plants with a capacity of nearly 317,000 cubic meters per day, the construction of 82 dams with a total capacity of 8.6 billion cubic meters, and 507 water barriers and small dams with a capacity of 250 million cubic meters. Furthermore, irrigation has been provided for nearly 1.6 million hectares, and 234 wastewater treatment plants have been built with a treatment capacity exceeding 1.1 billion cubic meters annually.
For his part, the Libyan Minister affirmed that his country considers Algeria a strategic partner, owing to its expertise, competencies, and advanced infrastructure in the water sector—particularly in sea water desalination.
He proposed the creation of a joint technical committee to identify priorities for cooperation in water resource management, exchange expertise in designing and operating desalination plants (especially those powered by renewable energy), and develop joint projects across various segments of the sector.
